Rotorcraft
Euro program tests satellite vertical guidance for helo steep approaches
This summer a Eurocopter EC 155 all-weather demonstrator performed satellite-guided precision approach tests in Lausanne, Switzerland, as part of a researc

This summer a Eurocopter EC 155 all-weather demonstrator performed satellite-guided precision approach tests in Lausanne, Switzerland, as part of a research program aimed at developing approach and departure IFR procedures suited to helicopters using the European geostationary navigation overlay service (egnos) Skyguide, the Swiss air navigation service provider, coordinated the program. Swiss medical air rescue agency Rega was also involved. Additional flight trials are to be performed this year at other European airports and from an oil rig in the North Sea.

The main benefit of egnos over the standard GPS is its vertical guidance capability. egnos, a ground-based augmentation system of the GPS, is the equivalent of the U.S. WAAS. It is not in service yet.

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